Details for Introduction to Leadership:Past and Present

This unit will look at the role of leadership for Christians today. In light of an understanding of theoretical models of leadership, the student will have opportunity to reflect both theologically and personally on leadership issues and be introduced to foundational leadership theories.  

The unit Introduction to Leadership:Past and Present is part of the subject area Leadership and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Graduate Certificate in Christian Leadership (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)), Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a broad understanding of contemporary leadership theories and their evolution and the distinction between technical competencies and management competencies
2. demonstrate broad knowledge of organisational theory, dynamics, and design
3. integrate Christian thinking with leadership theory;
demonstrate a contextual understanding of the research basis of leadership theories 

Subject Content

1. Orientation to leadership literature
2. Organizational design and structure
3. Prevalent leadership theories and models, including history of their evolution
4. Introduction to theological thinking in relation to leadership;
Being an informed consumer of and participant in research-based knowledge cultures 

Assessment Methods

Reading responses, minor essays, major essay.

Prescribed Text

• Yukl, G. Leadership in organizations. Prentice Hall, 2009.

Representative References

Baker, R.A. “The nature of leadership.” Human Relations 54 (2001): 469-494.

Blanchard, K. Lead like Jesus: Lessons from the greatest leadership role model of all time. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2007.

Bass, B.M. Bass and Stodgill’s handbook of leadership: Theory, research, and managerial applications. New York, NY: The Free Press, 2008.

Daft, R.L. The Leadership Experience, 3rd Edition. Mason, OH: South-Western Publishing, 2002.

Drucker, P.F. The effective executive: The definite guide to getting the right things done. New York, NY: Harper Collins, 2006.

Everist, N.C. and C.L. Nessan. Transforming leadership: A new vision for a church in mission. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2008.

Greenleaf, R.K. Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2002.

Hoyt, C. L. and J. Blascovich. “Transformational and transactional leadership in virtual and physical environments.” Small Group Research 34(2003): 678-715.

Jagelman, I. The empowered church. Lane Cove: The Jagelman Institute, 2007.